Despite the blood on his hands, Saddam's emotional appeals have aroused surprising Arab support. That could prove hard to dispel.

In Western eyes, Saddam Hussein is a killer, a bloodthirsty tyrant, a new Hitler. But to many Arabs he is a hero, the charismatic champion of pan-Arab nationalism, the resolute foe of "imperialist" interventions they long for. Perhaps one of the most surprising, and dangerous, concussions from the gulf crisis has been the deep vein of potent Arab emotions uncovered by Saddam's actions and appeals. His confrontation with America has stirred strong pride among people bitter over generations of Arab humiliation and foreign interference. His subversive appeal to poor Arabs has struck a chord: "Make it clear to your rulers, the...